We’re proud to welcome Dr. Gerrit Smit, Geotechnical Engineer, and Lead Geotechnical Data Analyst at Elexon Mining – a role that aligns perfectly with his shared passion for solving complex engineering challenges and using data to make mining safer and more efficient.
Gerrit’s career journey began in South Africa, where a last-minute decision led him to pursue Civil Engineering instead of Mechanical Engineering which runs in his family. “A week prior to my studies, I decided I wanted to study Civil Engineering as it means I will travel places and get to build large things.” That sense of adventure and scale sparked a passion for large-scale infrastructure projects and the complexity of the geotechnical field. Gerrit reflects, “Later in my studies, I really enjoyed the challenging nature of geotechnics due to large variability and unknowns in the field.”
His deepening curiosity led him to complete a PhD at the University of Southampton, focusing on soil-structure interaction, and a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in optimising wind turbine foundations in expansive soils. As Gerrit puts it, “I had the privilege to explore the geotechnical field further by doing a PhD in the UK and again with a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in collaboration with African and UK universities. It was rewarding and lots of fun.”
His professional journey has taken him across several countries in Africa, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and Tonga, where he’s tackled a range of geotechnical challenges in mining, infrastructure, and research. Today, that passion has led him to Elexon Mining, where he sees tremendous value in the company’s advanced monitoring technologies and the collaborative spirit of its team.
Gerrit is particularly excited about the opportunity to translate near real-time data into actionable insights, empowering mines to manage risks such as airblast and ore dilution, while enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
“In mining environments, especially cave mining knowledge of rock movement/damage is essential. In this complex and challenging environment, near real-time monitoring and interpretation in close collaboration with clients is crucial. Elexon Mining’s solutions offer the tools to do exactly that, making a real difference in the way mines are managed, and risks are mitigated. I’m excited to engage in this exciting long-term journey with our clients.”
As a proud father of five, Gerrit is passionate about education and sharing his expertise with all who are interested in the field of Engineering. When asked what advice he would give around those interested in the Geotechnical space, he offers a simple but essential comment:
“Never blindly assume. Rock and soil are highly variable materials.”
Gerrit has also learned through experience the value of Littlejohn et al’s (1994) quote: “Now and in the future, it is vital that financial decision-makers appreciate that you pay for a site investigation whether you have one or not, and you are likely to pay considerably more if you do not, or if it is inadequately designed, executed or interpreted”
Reflecting on a site or region that has left the greatest impression on him, Gerrit speaks of the wildlife of South Africa and Botswana (including a heart-stopping moment in the Okavango Delta where he found himself perilously close to a pride of lions), also describing the volcanic landscapes of Iceland, where standing on the edges of tectonic plates left an unforgettable impression.
On behalf of Elexon Mining, we are honoured to welcome Dr. Gerrit Smit to the team. We are excited for the expertise, fresh perspectives, and collaborative spirit he brings to our clients and our company. Welcome!
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